Genghis Khan and The Rise of Mongol Empire

Who would have thought that the Mongols, a nomadic people who moved constantly with their sheep, goats and cattle, could conquer vast and powerful empires? But their skill on horseback, their swift and sure use of the bow, and their daring leader, Temujin (Mongolian Leader), gave them control of a vast area. Genghis Khan’s Empire eventually included parts of China, Central Asia, the Middle East and eastern Europe. It became the largest continuous land empire of Mongols in the world history.

Temujin, the son of a murdered tribal chief, grew up amid violence and poverty. Despite his difficult early life, by 1206 he rose to power and was able to unite the often-warring Mongol tribes. For three decades Temujin , who became known as Genghis Khan (meaning “Lord of the Earth”), led a cunning, ruthless and successful campaign to expand Mongol power and territory.

RIPPLES

Genghis Khan’s sons carried on his work. Genghis Khan grandson, Kublai Khan, completed the conquest of China and founded Yuan Dynasty. Kublai moved his capital from Mongolia to Beijing and adopted a Chinese name, Yuan, for his dynasty. He was interested in new ideas, art, food and medicines. He encouraged free commercial trade via the Silk Road and welcomed traders such as Marco Polo. But after Kublai’s death, the Mongols were expelled from China. By the fall of the Yuan Dynasty in 1368, the Mongol Empire or Yuan Dynasty had ended.

These are some interesting facts and accomplishments about Genghis Khan’s Empire and himself.